Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher rates to individuals who are widowed or whose marital status reflects the death of a spouse, compared to married individuals. It directly affects widowed people applying for or renewing insurance policies. The law requires insurers to treat widowed customers the same as married customers for rate-setting and coverage availability. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to policies delivered or renewed before that date.

Maddy summarySB 765 creates a new confidentiality exception for fraud detection and deterrence information under Texas public information law. It makes specific types of data - such as risk assessments, investigative materials, protocols, and technology specifications - confidential and not subject to public disclosure requirements. The law directly affects state and local governmental bodies that handle fraud prevention, ensuring these materials remain protected while allowing sharing for law enforcement and fraud prevention purposes under other applicable laws. The bill took effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 541) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to commemorate Caterpillar Inc.'s 100th anniversary in 2025. It recognizes the company's history, contributions to major infrastructure projects (like highways and dams), and its Texas operations since the 1960s. The resolution formally extends "sincere best wishes" to Caterpillar and includes a plan to provide the company with an official copy of the resolution as a token of appreciation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 539) formally recognizes Ashley Harris-Land for receiving the 2024 AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award. It highlights her service as an AmeriCorps program director at Legacy Community Health, including expanding programs to over 70 members, modernizing health center curricula, and supporting pandemic response efforts. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies - it solely offers formal commendation from the Texas Senate. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) passed by the Texas Senate. It formally recognizes July 3, 2025, as "Kenneth Lewis Anderson Day" to honor the 180th anniversary of the death of Kenneth Lewis Anderson, an early Texas leader who served as speaker of the Republic of Texas Congress and later as vice president. The resolution commemorates his contributions to Texas governance and legacy, including the naming of Anderson County and the Fanthorp Inn historical site. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySB 767 requires the Texas A&M Forest Service to create and maintain a real-time statewide database tracking all firefighting equipment available for wildfire response. The database must list equipment types, department contact information, allow searches by location or equipment, and be accessible for fire departments to update annually or after changes. It directly affects all fire departments in Texas, including volunteer departments and emergency services districts, which must report their available equipment. This policy change aims to improve coordination during wildfires by providing instant access to shared resources across the state.

Maddy summarySB 1062 allows local governments in Texas to publish public notices in digital newspapers instead of traditional print newspapers, provided the digital option meets specific requirements. To qualify, a digital newspaper must have an audited paid-subscriber base, operate for at least three years, employ local staff, cover local events, provide general interest news, and update weekly. This change directly affects county and municipal governments that publish public notices, expanding their options beyond traditional print requirements. The bill amends existing law to include these digital standards and took effect immediately after being signed by the governor on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2619 modifies Texas school district governance by requiring school boards in underperforming districts (those rated "F" for two years or designated "rapidly declining" due to significant performance drops) to hold special elections for trustees before December 31 of the following year. It mandates that school boards publicly review and disclose applicants' past academic performance records when hiring a superintendent, including relative performance rankings from state evaluations. The bill also requires all school districts to post board member contact information and term dates on their websites (or submit to the Texas Education Agency if no website exists), with updates required within 30 days of membership changes. Additionally, it establishes new approval requirements for training providers for school board members, prohibiting political advocacy during training and mandating agency review of provider credentials and content.